Upper Marlboro, MD - Yesterday, the Prince George's County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) met with business delegates that will be joining County Executive Baker on an historic nine day exploratory business mission to Korea and China later this month. The purpose of the mission trip is to establish and nurture relationships that will pave the way for future business in Korea and China. Official relationships will also be established with Seoul, Cheonan and Goyang City in Korea and various Chinese officials. This trip also serves as a follow-up to previous business missions to the East with the goal to bring to fruition business partnerships that have been in the works.
"In economic development we plant seeds," said Iannucci. "With trips such as this, what we are seeing now is the green above the soil. Prince George's County, County Executive Baker and I are extremely grateful for the EDC and our federal and state partners who are making this mission trip possible. This is the most professional and organized pre-trip experience that we have seen. I think we will be able to show more results from this trip than any other trip that we've had."
County Executive previously lead a delegation to China in 2015. This year, more than 20 delegates will travel to Korea and China. The delegates represent various industry sectors such as healthcare, education, construction, information technology, arts and humanities, non-profits and engineering. The State of Maryland has been integral in providing assistance in facilitating business connections for this trip. Delegates had the opportunity to use the Gold Key and ExportMD programs which both offered grants to offset the cost of business to business meetings in Korea and China.
"County Executive Baker is building upon his great work in China," said Jim Coleman, EDC President and CEO. "By adding Korea to his agenda, he is keeping Prince George's County at the forefront of business innovation. Our goal is for our businesses to have a first-class introduction to the movers and shakers in Korea and China. We are looking forward to nurturing our Chinese relationships and building relationships with potential partners in Korea. This mission will be a big win for Prince George's County!"
Mission delegates will depart on April 19th to begin their exploratory mission. The Delegation's itinerary will include meetings with the Mayor of Seoul, Cheonan City and Goyang City. While in Korea, delegates will also participate in the Korea Public Procurement Expo (KOPPEX). In China, delegates will have Gold Key business to business meetings, visit the U.S. Embassy as well as meet with dignitaries and distinguished leaders. Through these interactions, the Delegation will be able to better understand Korea and China's assets and challenges and how the Prince George's County government, businesses and cultural community can meet those needs or gather best practices for success.
"I want to thank the EDC and Prince George's County for such a great opportunity," said Tony Vaz from Insight Engineering. "I've traveled to both Korea and China before but never with a business delegation. I'm really looking forward to meeting everyone and building relationships domestically and abroad."
For information on doing business internationally, contact Martin Ezemma (muezemma@co.pg.md.us), EDC International Business Director at 301-583-4650 or visit www.pgcedc.com/international-business.
County Executive Rushern L. Baker, III Looks To The East To Build Business Relationships